National Coastwatch Institution


HQ Address

Printable Map of NCI Stations

Useful Information for Mariners and Walkers

Shorewatch Info & Application

Legacy information


National Office
Unit 25
Basepoint Business Centre
Yeoford Way
Exeter  EX2 8LB

Telephone
For General Enquiries
0300 111 1202
For Press and Media Enquiries
0845 460 1202

Email Us

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) is an entirely voluntary organisation keeping a visual watch along UK shores.

Each station assists in the protection and preservation of life at sea and around the UK coastline.

Currently 46 NCI stations are operational and manned by over 1900 volunteers keeping watch around the British Isles from Rossall  Point in the North West, through Wales, to Wearside in the North East.

Whilst high technology and sophisticated systems are aids to improved safety, a computer cannot spot a distress flare, an overturned boat or a yachtsman or fisherman in trouble. Other vulnerable activities like diving, wind surfing and canoeing are made safer with visual surveillance.

NCI watchkeepers provide the eyes and ears along the coast, monitoring radio channels and providing a listening watch in poor visibility. They are trained to deal with emergencies, offering a variety of skills and experience and full training by the NCI ensures that high standards are met.

Over 190,000 hours of organised coastal surveillance were completed in 2010 alone, all at no cost to the public. Funding is managed by a Board of Trustees with a constitution agreed by the Charity Commission and relies heavily on local support.

News and Events

WATCHKEEPING AT ITS BEST

President receives OBE 18 January 2012
- Certificates of Excellence have been awarded to two watchkeepers at Penzance NCI following an incident that occurred in May 2011. David Pryor and Peter Mitchell were awarded the certificates by station manager Brian Ellis in recognition of watchkeeping duties carried out on 24th May 2011 when they spotted two men fighting in a rowing boat near Penzance harbour.

NEW YEAR'S HONOUR FOR JON GIFFORD

President receives OBE 31 December 2011 - Our Honorary President Jon Gifford has been duly recognized in the New Year's Honours with the award of the Order of the British Empire. This much deserved award finally gives public recognition of the enormous contribution Jon has made towards the development of NCI over the last 12 years.

QUEEN'S AWARD FOR NCI FOLKESTONE

7 October 2011 - NCI Folkestone has been presented with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, now designated as the equivalent of the MBE.

 

   Statistics - 2010

   Number of incidents - 262 *
   Number of hours manned - 190,210
   Number of stations - 44
   Number of watchkeepers - 2065
   Number of 10 year medal holders - 207
   NCI initiated RNLI lifeboat rescues - 42
   Vessels Identified & Logged - 462,084

   * Number of incidents following
     redefinition of reported incidents.

   Statistics - 2009

   Number of incidents - 1,206
   Number of hours manned - 172,456
   Number of stations - 39
   Number of watchkeepers - 1,784
   NCI initiated RNLI lifeboat rescues - 49
   Vessels Identified & Logged - 373,626